Decades have passed since Janis Klecker graced the marathon track at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, but the memories of her Olympic run remain vivid. Now 64, Klecker, a retired dentist and a pioneer for women’s running in the Twin Cities, continues to lead an active lifestyle despite stepping away from competitive racing.
As Minnesotans cheer on their athletes in Paris, Klecker, a Minnetonka resident, reflects on her Olympic past and how fitness still plays a central role in her life.
“Over the years, I’ve learned that maintaining fitness requires creativity as we age,” Klecker says. Recently, she has shifted from running to embracing strength training, particularly through the Alpha Olympic-lifting class at Life Time Athletic in Eden Prairie.
Journey to the Olympics
Klecker’s path to the Olympics began during her dental school years. At just 19, she completed her first marathon and later competed in the inaugural women’s Olympic marathon trials in 1984. Klecker cites Joan Benoit’s victory in the first women’s Olympic marathon as a significant inspiration for women runners at the time.
“It was a pivotal moment for women’s running,” Klecker recalls, though she didn’t make the Olympic team that year. “We still have reunions to celebrate that historic event, even 35 years later.”
Although she qualified for the trials again in 1988, injuries prevented her from competing. By 1992, with her dental school completed, Klecker’s dedication to training intensified, and she saw significant improvements in her performance. She won the Olympic trials in Houston with a time of 2:30:12, despite a fall mid-race.
At the Barcelona Olympics, she faced harsh conditions, including intense heat and pollution that complicated her asthma. Despite these challenges, Klecker finished 21st. “I wasn’t satisfied with my race, but I was proud to have finished and stayed healthy,” she said.
Life After the Olympics
Following the Olympics, Klecker continued to run, winning the Twin Cities Marathon and competing in the Tokyo Marathon. She also focused on starting a family, eventually having six children in seven years.
Klecker’s dedication to running did not wane. She qualified for the Olympic trials in 1996 and 2000, although she did not make the team. “I ran to stay fit, not necessarily to compete,” she explains. With over 50 marathons to her name and multiple victories, Klecker now prioritizes strength training and flexibility but still runs occasionally.
“I can still run without pain and keep all my joints intact. After over 40 years of running, that feels like a victory,” she says.
Embracing New Challenges
Klecker’s focus has shifted to strength training, recognizing its importance as she ages. She credits Lindsay Ogden, Alpha class instructor at Life Time Athletic, for guiding her through this transition. “I joke that I can run for miles but am clueless with a barbell. Learning something new has been challenging but rewarding,” Klecker says.
Ogden acknowledges the initial intimidation many feel when starting strength training. “Often, it’s not the body but the mind that holds us back,” she notes. With Ogden’s support, Klecker has made significant strides, including mastering box jumps, which she once thought impossible.
Klecker emphasizes the importance of listening to her body and adapting her workouts. “Whether I lift 15 or 20 pounds, it’s about being honest with how my body feels and staying consistent,” she says.
Looking Ahead
Klecker’s commitment to fitness remains strong, and it’s now a shared family value. Her husband, Barney, an avid runner with “two shiny hips,” continues to exercise regularly. Their son Joe, a professional runner, competed in the 10,000-meter event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Klecker’s daughters are also active, with one training for a 50-mile race and another preparing for the Chicago Marathon.
For Klecker, the foundation of her life is built on “faith, family, fitness, and friends.” She aspires to stay fit and functional to enjoy time with her grandchildren. “It’s never too late to start and try something new,” she advises. “Be curious and creative about how you stay fit.”
As Klecker continues to inspire with her dedication, she remains a testament to the power of adaptability and resilience in maintaining a vibrant and active lifestyle.
